Healthy Brownie Energy Bites
These healthy protein bites tastes just like fudgy brownies! They're a delicious mid-morning or afternoon snack for any chocolate lover. (Or even breakfast!) These energy bites should last for at least 5 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (40g) soy protein isolate (powder) (measured like this)
- 6 tbsp (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder (measured like this)
- 3 tbsp (21g) coconut flour (measured like this)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup + 1 tbsp (195mL) unsweetened cashew milk
- 1 tsp liquid stevia (or adjusted to taste)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy protein isolate, cocoa powder, coconut flour, and salt. Make a well in the center. Pour in the cashew milk and liquid stevia, and stir until just incorporated.
- Carefully shape the mixture into spheres, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
IMPORTANT PROTEIN POWDER NOTES – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: This recipe was specifically designed for this soy protein isolate (powder). Most protein powders behave differently, especially when it comes to absorbing moisture. If you substitute a different plant-based protein powder, you may need to add more protein powder if the dough is too wet OR more milk if the dough is too dry.
Do not substitute whey-based protein powder; the bars will not set.
For more tips and answers to all other questions, including ingredient substitutions, see my Protein Powder Recipes: Tips & FAQ page.
IMPORTANT MEASURING NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: It's very important to measure the protein powder, cocoa powder, and coconut flour correctly, using this method or a kitchen scale. (← That’s the one I own and love!) Too much of any of these in the dough will make your energy bites dry and crumbly, instead of soft, moist, and fudgy. Too much cocoa powder will also make your energy bites taste bitter, instead of rich and dark chocolaty.
IMPORTANT SHAPING NOTE – READ BEFORE BEGINNING: The mixture is sometimes a little difficult to roll (thanks to its fudgy brownie-like texture!), so I often mold and squish it into round shapes using my fingers and palms instead.
COCOA POWDER NOTES: I do not recommend substituting Dutched or special dark cocoa powder. Both of these have a different acidity level, which can affect the taste and texture of your energy bites. (I've also found these have a blander and noticeably muted chocolate flavor when used to make these.) For the best results, use regular unsweetened cocoa powder.
COCONUT FLOUR NOTE: If you'd like to try using a different flour, see my Protein Powder Recipes: Tips & FAQ page for tips.
MILK ALTERNATIVES: Any milk may be substituted for the unsweetened cashew milk.
STEVIA NOTES + ALTERNATIVES: Many stevia brands and products have different sweetness levels, so they’re not always 1-for-1 substitutes for each other. For the best results, use the same liquid stevia that I do. I buy it online here (← that’s the best price I’ve found!), and you’ll use it in all of these recipes of mine too!
If you're strongly against using it, you can try substituting other sweeteners in place of the liquid stevia. You’ll need the equivalent of 6-8 tablespoons of granulated sugar. However, you may need to adjust the amount of coconut flour or soy protein if the dough is too wet –OR– more milk if the dough is too dry.
TO MAKE BARS: If you prefer to make bars instead of bites, line a 9x5” loaf pan with parchment paper (see my photos in this blog post). After Step 2, press the mixture into the lined pan, and chill for at least 3 hours before slicing into 6 bars.
HOW TO STORE: Store energy bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for at least 5 days (if not longer!).
{gluten free, dairy free, egg free, vegan, clean eating, low fat, low calorie, high protein, sugar free}
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?I'd love to hear what you think of it in a comment below! If you take a picture, tag @amys.healthy.baking on Instagram or use the hashtag #amyshealthybaking.